MY NEVER LIST

By Vernalee

Allow me to “Vernalize” you with my list of never(s). I can never repeat this list too many times and you may have read it before, but it is either now or never … so here goes…

Never say never! It may come back to sting you. Sometimes, you just never know what you may do!

Never pretend to be someone else.

Never disrespect your parents.

Never act as if you are an island because it's lonely by yourself.

Never set yourself up for failure.

Never keep a notebook of secrets that you don't want to be seen.

Never become a habitual liar. It makes the truth too hard to tell.

Never tell on yourself. You never did it unless your DNA proves it!

Never tell people what you think they want to hear to be kind - if you are being dishonest.

Never lie about where you are going if you don't want your whereabouts to be discovered.

Never make promises that you can't keep.

Never have a hiding spot that is easy to find.

Never back down from your principles.

Never let someone you love go; you may not be able to get them back.

Never be nobody's fool or doormat.

Never get caught.

Never cry “wolf” because no one will believe you when you are being truthful.

Never doubt yourself.

Never put yourself between a rock and a hard place.

Never underestimate yourself or others.

Never trust anyone who has demonstrated that they are not trustworthy.

Never feel defeated.

Never tell a never ending story.

Never forget what should be remembered.

Never give up or quit.

Never forget the "road" that took you over. You may have to come back.

Never judge a book by its cover.

Never knew I needed you until I lost you.

Never once have I _______.

Never pay to play.

Never rub me the wrong way.

Never burn bridges. Crossing back over is impossible if the bridge is gone.

Never make a never list with stuff that you know you will never do because you never know what will come up.

It never dawned on me because there is rarely never a dull moment in my life so never mind me or my list because I am sure that you have your own.

My never list is too long to list it all here.

Nevertheless, just like gospel singer Marvin Sapp, I realized that I need spiritual guidance and that I “Never would have made it without God!

Photo reprint: www.preachit..com

TIME IS MONEY

By Vernalee

Our time is so valuable. How it is used determines integral outcomes in our life. There is "never enough time in the day," is an old adage whose meaning becomes more realistic daily. Thus, we need a plan, particularly when our utilization (of time) determines our income. What's primary; what's secondary? How do we make those determinations? As an entrepreneur, making a daily/weekly/monthly plan makes sense. "If we fail to plan, we plan to fail." Four questions of relevancy may determine how our business grows.

1. What tasks make money now?

2. What tasks make money in the future?

3. Schedule money making tasks every day.

4. Delegate tasks that need to be done, but not necessarily by you.

In quick simplistic terms, the answer centers around - a what and a how. What can bring in the $$$ now; in the future; and how will it be accomplished? Time management is a science with our utilization of same equating to outcomes ... with generation of revenue being one. How we spend our time - directly and indirectly - determines how much money is in our pockets! What becomes our next step? There may be many. Do you need help? Hiring a full time employee may not be financially affordable right out of the gate, but support - be it virtual or a consultant - may be an avenue to explore.

Many of us learn by example. Oddly, some of us can't resist learning the hard way. With quantitative and qualitative measurements, eventually, we will learn that we cannot do it all ... by ourselves. When that realization clicks, we will "be in the money!" By the way, the vibrant color green is one of my favorite colors not just because it's the color of money. As we look at our earning power, it is essential that we do something that we enjoy; something that we are passionate about, and something that we are technically and professionally astute to deliver ... as we get started planning the "how's" and "what's!"

Stop looking at the clock. Let's get started. Time is money, but money can't buy time!"

Photo credit: www.inc.com;source: About.com

STUFF I WANNA SAY

By Vernalee

Why am I biting my tongue? There are a few things that's on my mind, but the words won't come out! My mind and heart are at battle right now over what to do! "What's the downside," I ponder. I have the answers. Here goes.

What may give me peace of mind as a release may cause an infliction of hurt to the ears that hear! Is this a legitimate reason to hold my tongue? Should I tell those folks that they selfishly only think of themselves; that they are non-supportive; that their lack of backbone hurts their spine more than mine? After all, everything will eventually come to light! Will my comments hurt the person's feelings though my words and truths are as clear as the sky is blue? Do I dare utter that everyone else talks about them behind their back? Am I hurting them by not telling them the truth? Questions, questions, questions!

Let's see. I trust my wisdom will help me make the right choice. Have you ever struggled with this issue? Are you cautious about not hurting other folk’s feelings even though they could care less about yours? My conscience always get in the way. It is a nuisance that bothers me sometimes and guards my tongue. Aw Shucks! Maybe I am in the minority and am not preaching to the choir. Some folks throw caution to the wind, blurt out what they feel like saying, and let the chips fall where they may! Admittedly, at times particularly with those who are razor thin close to me, I become too contemplative or judiciously concerned to find the right time, words, and place. Maybe, I am just who I am; me not you!

Photo credit: www.lifehack.com